Former Coventry City midfielder Don Hutchison has criticised Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, following his missed opportunity during Coventry City’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Awoniyi, who moved to Coventry during the summer after struggling to secure regular playing time at Nottingham Forest, had a promising chance to put the visitors ahead in the first half.
The Nigeria international was released through on goal following a loose pass from Antoine Semenyo, but he failed to keep his effort on target, sending the ball wide.
Hutchison, who was working as a Premier League commentator, felt Awoniyi should have made more of the opportunity.
“That is a shame, because his run was fantastic. Once he gets away, you think, can he pick a corner, has he got the composure? Can he go round the goalkeeper or dink it over him?
“That is a big chance and one he should be taking,” he said.
Awoniyi was replaced in the second half by Ellis Simms as Coventry searched for a way back into the contest.
The missed opportunity ultimately proved costly, with Manchester City taking all three points through Erling Haaland’s first-half header.
Haaland rose highest to meet a cross from Semenyo after debutant Enzo Fernandez had produced a precise pass in the build-up.
The Norwegian forward came close to adding more goals, with Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth producing an excellent save to deny his powerful effort.
Haaland also had another second-half goal ruled out for offside.
Rushworth was kept busy for much of the match, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also played his part by making important saves to deny Jack Rudoni and Loum Tchaouna.
Donnarumma later produced another stop to prevent substitute Simms from finding a late equaliser.
The result means Coventry remain without a point after their opening three Premier League matches of the season, while Manchester City preserved their perfect start under manager Enzo Maresca.
Awoniyi will now hope to put the disappointment behind him and make a stronger impact when Coventry return to Premier League action.
